I know about Shem Creek, but are there places to eat on the water in downtown Charleston?

asks Rick S., from Scranton, PA…

With all the water surrounding Charleston, you’d think there would be a whole variety of options for eating with a water view, wouldn’t you Rick? The reality is that there are only a couple on the peninsula. My favorite breakfast spot (which also serves lunch and dinner) is one — the Marina Variety Store Restaurant. The other is Fleet Landing (which is a lunch/dinner spot).

Sunrise from the Marina Variety Store Restaurant

Located on opposite sides of the peninsula, the Marina is on the Ashley River and Fleet Landing is on the Cooper River by Waterfront Park. The views are dramatically different — with the Marina’s being a bit calmer with dolphins and more personal watercraft, and Fleet Landing’s being full of commercial traffic and views of the harbor and Patriot’s Point (lots of dolphins too).

The Marina is more casual and tends to cater more to locals and transient sailors, and Fleet Landing generally pulls in other visitors to Charleston. It’s probably an easier walk to Fleet Landing’s location, and each provides free parking (although it’s much more limited at Fleet Landing).

As far as the food, breakfast is served all day at the Marina…’nuff said (for me, at least). But take a look at the Marina’s and Fleet Landing’s menus for yourself.

And while it’s not on the peninsula, don’t forget to check out Bowens Island too.